Air Jordan 11 "Cool Grey"

Although inherently compelling, the sneaker enjoys a rich history that has catapulted its importance and popularity to new heights over the last 20 years. Debuted in March 2001, the “Cool Grey” Jordans have been mistaken as an original colorway of Tinker Hatfield’s design from 1995. An instant hit, dozens of local media outlets across the U.S.A. reported on the pair’s in-store releases; the television channel, TLC, even investigated the growing consumer base seen after Michael Jordan’s second retirement from the NBA. As part of its “Buy-ology” series, the Discovery, Inc,-owned network filmed the “Cool Grey” 11 launch at NikeTown Chicago in 2001.

Vastly different from the Chicago Bulls-appropriate colorways seen throughout MJ’s first 10 signature sneakers, the greyscale style enjoyed #23’s co-sign on the hardwood. When an aging Jordan returned to the league with the Washington Wizards, he frequently wore the “Cool Grey” 11s, which complimented the team’s blue and white uniforms. Some Air Jordan drops from 2003 onward have experienced popularity that rivals those the legend wore on his way to his six NBA titles, but some purists discredit these pairs because “His Airness” didn’t play in them. The “Cool Grey” retro, however, disarms the criticism.